Page 1 of The Wildcat and the Rogue (The Shifter Season #8)

JANE

The balls in London are so much grander than those back home and I'm still not used to them even though I've been here for over a month already. I can feel the pressure of time slipping away from me even as the Season progresses and I've not yet found a match to save my family from destitution. I know they don't require it of me, but I also know my sisters aren't as suited as I am for trying to make the most of the social events in London. Not to mention that they haven't been presented yet.

"Miss Whisking," a friendly voice says.

I turn around and find Harriet approaching. "Marriage suits you, Mrs Stoaly."

"I believe it does," she responds. "And perhaps now we should turn our attention to finding you a husband. If it is what you desire."

"It's what I require," I counter.

"That's true for all of us," Harriet responds. "What kind of gentleman are you searching for?"

I consider the question. The only true thing I require is that my husband is able to look after my family. "I suppose I'm searching for someone kind," I say to my friend. It's not the entire truth, but it's a good start.

"What else?" Harriet asks. "Is a title a requirement?"

"No, not particularly," I respond. "Though a fortune wouldn't go amiss."

"Would it ever?" she quips.

"You married a future viscount with no fortune," I point out.

"That is true, but I have a fortune of my own, I did not need to procure a fortune through other means. And even if I had, other people had ideas that went beyond me."

"Ah, yes. How are things with Lady Stoaly?" I do not envy her for the scheming of her husband's mother.

"I have very little to do with her," Harriet admits. "I do not believe she particularly cares for me beyond the fortune I bring with me. Perhaps she does not like that Frederick is spending so much time with my father learning what he needs to do to take over the family business."

"That did not take long. The two of you have barely been married for a week."

"Neither Pa nor Frederick wished to waste any time, they began before we were even married."

"It must be nice to have your family and husband so in line with one another."

"It is." The smile on her face is almost enough to make me believe that marriage is wonderful and not just something that must be done out of necessity. I don't wish to have a marriage where I dislike my husband, but I'm not foolish enough to think that it has to be a great love story.

The music for the current set of dancers comes to an end and they leave the floor. It's easy to spot which couples wish to spend more time with one another and which are glad that the dance is over and that they no longer have to pretend to like one another's attention.

"Is there anyone you have particularly fond feelings for?" Harriet asks as she surveys the attendees of the ball. "Perhaps someone you've danced with a time or two?"

"Lord Angus is a good dancer," I say.

"He is," Harriet agrees.

"Though I do not believe that he is likely to take a wife from such a low station as I."

"I'm not even sure what your station is," Harriet responds. "But considering that I married a future viscount and I'm merely a commoner, I wouldn't give too much thought to it."

"Hmm."

"You do not seem convinced," Harriet says. "What is it that you're not telling me?" She snaps open her fan in an attempt to stave off some of the heat of the ballroom.

"Nothing that I am at liberty to divulge."

To my surprise, she nods. "Very well, I shall try to work within the confines of your requirements."

"Not that I have given you much to go on," I murmur.

"Kind with a fortune is a start," she responds.

I nod, not quite knowing the best way to respond to that. It's what I need. I don't intend to entrap anyone, and I wish to make my motivations clear to anyone who I might think has the potential to be my husband. But kindness is a good place to start.

I watch the people milling around the room, wondering if my future husband is already in the room. There are several gentlemen I recognise, including some I've previously danced with, but I've never felt any particular draw to any of them, though perhaps that's simply because I haven't been able to speak to many of them for more than a single turn around the room.

Or because my heart is spoken for in secret, even if I do not wish to admit it. Even to myself.

The crowd parts slightly and I suck in a deep breath as my gaze lands on Mr Ewan Milne. I've seen him at a couple of balls so far, but have never come face-to-face with him, for which I'm grateful. I don't know how I will manage should I end up finding myself opposite him, especially as I fear my former affection for him will get in the way.

"Jane?" Harriet asks.

"Yes?"

"I asked if there is a name on your dance card for this dance, or if you wished to take a stroll with me in the garden, but you didn't seem to realise I said anything."

"Oh, I must apologise."

She raises an eyebrow. "Whatever for?"

"It is rude of me to have ignored you."

"I am certain you had good reason," my friend assures me.

"A stroll would be nice," I say, watching as Ewan heads onto the dance floor. Mr Milne , I must remember not to seem too familiar to him out loud. He may have asked me to use his name when we knew one another, but I haven't seen him in over a year, he will likely have rescinded the familiarity and I do not blame him for doing so.

"Excellent." Harriet links her arm through mine. "I have so much to tell you about the soirée for married ladies I attended a couple of days ago."

I raise an eyebrow. "You've been married for a week."

"I was surprised," Harriet says as she draws us towards the double doors leading out to the gardens.

"You should still be on your honeymoon."

"Frederick and I are waiting for that. It's a particularly busy time for Pa, so he is using it as a chance to teach Frederick what he needs to know about the business. For my part, I am perfectly content. It means that I can continue to attend balls and luncheons with those I have come to care about, and once the Season is done, we can enjoy our honeymoon."

"That does seem somewhat ideal," I admit. "And from a selfish standpoint, I am glad you are still here." It would be very lonely if she were on her honeymoon.

"I look forward to it," she admits.

The cool outside air flutters against my skin and I find myself resisting the urge to shift into my wildcat form and run around, a sure sign that it's been too long since I last shifted. I shall have to make time for it in the morning, for tonight it is not safe to, not with all of the humans in the ballroom alongside the shifters. And it will only draw attention to me that I do not want, including from Mr Ewan Milne.